Recently I had the opportunity to brush shoulders with a few heroes who are right here in West Dunbartonshire working to keep our communities safe.

They have bravery, expertise, patience and willingness to put public safety at the heart of what they do.

I was delighted to host two special ceremonies raising flags for Merchant Navy personnel and emergency service workers last month.

These special ceremonies mean a great deal because they show our appreciation for the work undertaken by these men and women on a daily basis.

They are in honour of those who kept up supply lines during the first and second world wars and the people who are first on the scene to help in some of our country’s worst times.

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I also represented our area at a special commemorative event at the Scottish Parliament through in Edinburgh, which marked 80 years since the start of the Second World War, as well as attending the Armed Forces and Veterans Champions gathering in Glasgow, both truly humbling events.

I am proud to be invited to witness the good being done in West Dunbartonshire and beyond in my role as provost.

This month I enjoyed the senior school awards ceremony at St Peter the Apostle High School, where pupils were honoured for their hard work.

I’m also pleased to be able to be part of personal celebrations, and I visited four couples to wish them well as they reached impressive anniversaries over the past few weeks. Congratulations to you all.

As November approaches I hope to see you all celebrating Bonfire Night celebrations in the next couple of weeks.

The displays will take place in Dumbarton and Dalmuir, and are the safest way to enjoy the occasion.